East Farm & Factory Unit, Longhirst Road, Pegswood

Redundant agricultural buildings and vacant land in the heart of Pegswood. Mainly brownfield with a very small greenfield element, including some Grade II listed buildings. Identified for redevelopment for a number of years. Yield indicated is capacity of the brownfield element. An initial outline application for 17 dwellings, through part demolition, conversion an new-build, was submitted in 2015 but eventually disposed of without determination in 2018 (15/04203/OUT). A revised proposal was then submitted for consideration in 2018 (18/00168/FUL). This comprised a total of 30 dwellings (gross), giving a net increase of 27 homes. The works proposed demolition of an existing bungalow, part demolition of agricultural buildings, conversion of the remaining listed farm buildings to create 2 units and construction of 26 new-build homes and 4 affordable bungalows. The scheme also included the refurbishment of a flat above former shop/cafe (no net gain would result from this aspect). However, although the application was 'minded to approve' for some time, with only S106 agreement remaining outstanding, again this application has been disposed without determination in 2024. Despite this, an alternative scheme is considered developable in the medium- to longer-term (6 to 10 years). Deliverability will be reappraised if another application is permitted. This site is also allocated as a mixed-use site in the Morpeth Neighbourhood Plan (2016).